Research Analyst

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky's Agriculture and Environmental Informatics Laboratory seeks a Research Analyst to advance data-driven solutions for precision agriculture, soil health, and environmental informatics. You will collect, manage, and analyze complex soil, landscape, and plant datasets while collaborating with researchers and stakeholders on various projects, publications, and grants.

Requirements include expertise in programming with Python or R, GIS, and strong data management; a PhD is

Qualifications

• PhD or postdoc in a closely related field is preferred.
• Proficiency with Python or R for data analysis and geospatial tasks.
• Experience with large, diverse soil and environmental datasets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and collect data from lab, field, proximal sensing, and remote sensing sources.
• Develop and maintain project databases and metadata for data management.
• Assist with grant proposals, manuscripts, and dissemination of findings.
• Coordinate lab and field operations, safety, and supervision of students.

Skills

Precision agriculture

Data analysis

Python/R programming

Geospatial analysis

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Precision Agriculture / Soil Science / CS / Earth Science

Postdoc training

Tools

Open-source geospatial libraries

Google Earth Engine / OpenGeo

Supercomputing

Drone data processing

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs. Sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00-4:30 37.5 hours/week

Job Summary

Advance Data-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Analyst to join the Agriculture and Environmental Informatics Laboratory.

This position will support innovative research focused on precision agriculture, digital soil mapping, soil health, and environmental informatics. The Research Analyst will contribute to the development and implementation of data-driven solutions by collecting, managing, and analyzing complex soil, landscape, and plant datasets while collaborating with researchers, stakeholders, and trainees on a variety of projects, publications, and grant initiatives.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct research experiments and collect data from laboratory, field, proximal sensing, and remote sensing sources.
• Prepare samples and analyze laboratory, field, and geospatial datasets to support research objectives.
• Develop and maintain project databases and metadata to ensure high-quality data management and accessibility.
• Assist with grant proposal development, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings.
• Support laboratory and field operations, including equipment, workflow coordination, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate and supervise student workers and trainees, providing guidance on laboratory procedures, field activities, and safety practices.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and other stakeholders on projects related to sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.

What You’ll Bring

• Knowledge of precision agriculture, digital soil mapping, soil health research, or related agricultural and environmental applications.
• Experience with programming and data analysis tools such as R, Python, Shell scripting, GIS , or related technologies.
• Ability to collect, manage, and interpret large, high-resolution datasets from multiple sources.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental protocols and research procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Planning, organization, and laboratory management skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and commitment to maintaining a safe research environment.
• Ability to mentor and support students and trainees while promoting accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with procedures.
• No related experience required

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful research addressing real-world challenges in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
• Exposure to a broad portfolio of projects involving precision agriculture, geospatial modeling, soil health, soil carbon and nutrient modeling, spectroscopy, and remote sensing.
• Opportunities to collaborate with farmers, crop consultants, industry partners, government agencies, and researchers from other institutions.
• Professional growth through participation in scientific publications, grant development, training, and research innovation.

Why Now?

The Agriculture and Environmental Informatics Laboratory is expanding efforts to develop data-driven tools that support sustainable agricultural production and natural resource management. As research initiatives continue to grow across precision agriculture, soil health, digital soil mapping, and environmental monitoring, this role provides critical support for advancing research goals and translating data into practical solutions.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute across multiple innovative projects rather than a single research initiative, helping strengthen collaborations, accelerate scientific discovery, and support the development of technologies that benefit producers, researchers, and communities.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Coding machine learning algorithms
• Effective communication and teamwork mindset

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

• PhD degree or postdoc training in Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, Computer Science, Earth Science or closely related fields
• Experience in writing publications/grant applications
• Experience in field work (soil, water, and/or crop sampling, and/or proximal sensing data in field)
• Proficiency using open-source geospatial libraries in Python or R
• Experience in supercomputing
• Proficiency in developing machine learning algorithms or infrastructure
• Experience with cloud computing/ API infrastructure (Google Earth Engine, OpenGeo etc.)
• Part 107 Certificate
• Experience in designing a flight path, operating drone flights, processing drone data
• Experience in remote sensing analysis
• Experience with machine learning / artificial intelligence applications and coding

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/16/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a valid Driver's License, and can you drive?
  • Yes
  • No